The following is everything to know about how sugar consumption can damage oral health and how to keep a healthy and beautiful smile by limiting sugar and other refined carbohydrates. This can reduce the risk of needing restorative care in the future.
Sugar is a carbohydrate. Like many other carbohydrates, sugar can combine with bacteria that naturally develop in the mouth. When this occurs, it triggers an acidic reaction that can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel and damage the gums. This leads to common oral health concerns such as dental cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. By limiting sugar consumption and taking precautions when consuming foods and drinks that are high in sugar, the risk of oral health concerns is substantially reduced.
As mentioned above, excessive sugar consumption could lead to a range of oral health concerns, particularly if the patient does not have a consistent oral care routine in place between their cleaning and check-up visits. Common issues that can develop as a consequence of excessive sugar consumption and poor hygiene are:
The risks depend on how long issues remain undetected and untreated. It is important to visit a dentist for check-up visits every four to six months and limit how much sugar is consumed between visits.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 24 grams of sugar per day. While this number is recommended for heart health, it is a good rule to follow for protecting oral health as well. The more sugar that is consumed, the more important it is to practice good oral hygiene and consistently brush, floss, and use mouthwash.
Foods and drinks such as candy and soft drinks can harm oral health. On the other hand, there are some ways to actually improve oral health with dietary choices. One way is to consume more calcium, which can strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of dental decay. It can also help to drink water throughout the day, especially drinking water with fluoride, to wash away bacteria and keep teeth enamel and the gums strong.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry Services in Des Plaines, IL
If you have questions about how sugar affects oral health or are interested in scheduling a check-up visit with our office, contact us today. We value the oral health of our patients, and we do everything we can to prevent any issues from ever developing, along with offering restorative services.
Request an appointment or call Healthy Dental Center at 847-390-5800 for an appointment in our Des Plaines office.
People visit the general dentistry office because they desire healthy oral cavities, free of cavities. However, a checkup can show more than cavities. Dentists do not only perform dental cleanings and restorations. They also examine the mouth for present or potential health issues so patients can take appropriate precautions to avoid them or get them…
General dentistry helps you to deal with issues like toothaches. Toothaches are your brain’s way of telling you that there is something wrong with a tooth. It can be caused by things like tooth decay, damage to a tooth’s structures, or infection. A mild toothache that goes away on its own is often not a…
A general dentistry clinic can provide treatments for a knocked-out tooth. This type of dental injury often happens because of a strong impact on the face. It can be from a fight, a vehicular accident, or a sports injury. If you want to know if a general dentistry clinic can restore your dislodged or knocked-out…
A cosmetic dentist can help you achieve your dream smile. Getting dental treatments can improve…
As people seek to obtain a flawless smile, the demand for cosmetic dentistry has grown…
Dental crowns can last over 20 years when properly maintained.
A cosmetic dentist can offer procedures that can improve your smile. These treatments may also…
Aside from the aesthetic benefits, visiting a cosmetic dentist is a great way to boost…
During a smile makeover, a cosmetic dentist typically performs two or more procedures as part…
